"I find it curious my name gets used, but no one bothered to contact me for
a balanced story," Hinten said.
JR's Diner owner Jodie Roberts, the Fireside-Guard reported, was
facing a nearly $6,000 bill for a disability access ramp and electronic door
opening system.
"This is nonsense," Hinten told the Heart Beat. Most electronic door
conversion kits, he explained, run between $1,400 - $2,000 installed. And
cheaper alternatives are plentiful. "The numbers do not add up, which can only
mean either Ms. Roberts has not actually checked on cost or she exaggerated to
gain public sympathy," said Hinten.
Reports that Roberts never spoke with Hinten are also erroneous, he
explained. "In March 2009 and again in Sept. 2009, I spoke to her on the phone
and the topic of the entrance came up," Hinten said. "She told me she just
rents the building and it wasn’t her problem."
Finally, Hinten emphasized that Federal law provides tax credits for ADA
compliance available for small businesses with annual revenues of $1,000,000 or
less; or 30 or fewer full-time employees. Quoting Section 44 of the Federal
Tax Code, the maximum $5,000 tax credit can offset the cost of accessbility
improvements; Braille, large print and audio tape; and hiring a sign language
interpreter.
Keep them honest John. :)
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